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Full-Text Articles in Judges
What's The Difference Between A Conclusion And A Fact?, Howard M. Erichson
What's The Difference Between A Conclusion And A Fact?, Howard M. Erichson
Faculty Scholarship
In Ashcroft v. Iqbal, building on Bell Atlantic Corp. v. Twombly, the Supreme Court instructed district courts to treat a complaint’s conclusions differently from allegations of fact. Facts, but not conclusions, are assumed true for purposes of a motion to dismiss. The Court did little to help judges or lawyers understand this elusive distinction, and, indeed, obscured the distinction with its language. The Court said it was distinguishing “legal conclusions” from factual allegations. The application in Twombly and Iqbal, however, shows that the relevant distinction is not between law and fact, but rather between different types of factual assertions. This …
The Changing Odds Of The Chancery Lottery, Marianna Wonder
The Changing Odds Of The Chancery Lottery, Marianna Wonder
Fordham Law Review
Delaware is home to the majority of shareholder class action litigations related to mergers and acquisitions (M&A). These cases usually result in settlements that provide shareholders with only disclosure in exchange for a broad release of future claims, which encompasses unknown and federal security claims. The Delaware Court of Chancery must review and approve these settlements under Delaware Rule 23(e), which has been interpreted as creating a fiduciary duty for the court to protect the interests of absent shareholders. Nevertheless, Delaware has a history of routinely approving disclosure-only settlements with laxity. Recently, members of the court have begun discussing the …
Recovering Judicial Integrity: Toward A Duty-Focused Disqualification Jurisprudence Based On Jewish Law, Shlomo Pill
Recovering Judicial Integrity: Toward A Duty-Focused Disqualification Jurisprudence Based On Jewish Law, Shlomo Pill
Fordham Urban Law Journal
No abstract provided.
Elected Judges And Statutory Interpretation, Aaron-Andrew P. Bruhl, Ethan J. Leib
Elected Judges And Statutory Interpretation, Aaron-Andrew P. Bruhl, Ethan J. Leib
Faculty Scholarship
This Article considers whether differences in methods of judicial selection should influence how judges approach statutory interpretation. Courts and scholars have not given this question much sustained attention, but most would probably embrace the “unified model,” according to which appointed judges (such as federal judges) and elected judges (such as many state judges) are supposed to approach statutory text in identical ways. There is much to be said for the unified model—and we offer the first systematic defense of it. But the Article also attempts to make the best case for the more controversial but also plausible contrary view: that …
What Makes A Good Appointive System For The Selection Of State Court Judges: The Vision Of The Symposium, Norman L. Greene
What Makes A Good Appointive System For The Selection Of State Court Judges: The Vision Of The Symposium, Norman L. Greene
Fordham Urban Law Journal
This Article contains two parts. First, it sets forth the context of the symposium, including reflections on how judges are being selected now through the elective process, the need for a better approach to judicial selection, and the particular climate in New York at the time of the symposium and thereafter. The New York discussion will focus on the district court and Second Circuit decisions in Lopez Torres v. New York State Board of Elections, which exposed and struck down as unconstitutional New York’s scheme for selecting certain trial court judges, under which political party leaders dictated judicial selection. Second, …
Rethinking Judicial Nominating Commissions: Independence, Accountability, And Public Support , Joseph A. Colquitt
Rethinking Judicial Nominating Commissions: Independence, Accountability, And Public Support , Joseph A. Colquitt
Fordham Urban Law Journal
The Article focuses on one of the pillars of the judicial appointive process, the judicial nominating commission, suggesting that all jurisdictions should have judicial nominating commissions. A judicial nominating commission exists to screen and select nominees for judgeships. This article envisions and describe a system that more likely will result in selecting the right person for the bench.
Beyond Quality: First Principles In Judicial Selection And Their Application To A Commission-Based Selection System, Jeffrey D. Jackson
Beyond Quality: First Principles In Judicial Selection And Their Application To A Commission-Based Selection System, Jeffrey D. Jackson
Fordham Urban Law Journal
This article discusses the principles that the judicial system should advance in the selection of its judges. In addition to judicial quality, there are five other “first principles” that should be advanced in an optimal selection system: independence, accountability, representativeness, legitimacy, and transparency.
Judicial Performance Review: A Balance Between Judicial Independence And Public Accountability, Jean E. Dubofsky
Judicial Performance Review: A Balance Between Judicial Independence And Public Accountability, Jean E. Dubofsky
Fordham Urban Law Journal
This article discusses judicial appointment and judicial independence in Colorado. The article argues that in Colorado, the independence of the judiciary needs to be protected, perhaps more than at any other time in the state’s history. While public accountability is important, it is achieved through the executive and legislative branches of the government. The courts function best if judges are free to decide each case without regard to how the general public might put a thumb on the scales of justice. To the degree that judicial performance commissions can protect judicial independence, while providing voters in retention elections with sufficient …
Rethinking Judicial Selection: A Critical Appraisal Of Appointive Selection For State Court Judges, John D. Feerick
Rethinking Judicial Selection: A Critical Appraisal Of Appointive Selection For State Court Judges, John D. Feerick
Fordham Urban Law Journal
Transcript of the keynote address delivered at Fordham University School of law on April 7, 2006. The speaker discusses the various shortcomings in the judicial selection methodology in New York State and what he and others have thought of as solutions for the problems.
A View From The Ground: A Reform Group’S Perspective On The Ongoing Effort To Achieve Merit Selection Of Judges, Shira J. Goodman, Lynn A. Marks
A View From The Ground: A Reform Group’S Perspective On The Ongoing Effort To Achieve Merit Selection Of Judges, Shira J. Goodman, Lynn A. Marks
Fordham Urban Law Journal
This article describes the history of judicial selection in the state of Pennsylvania. It describes the judicial selection reform movement and the growth of the organization Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts ("PMC") which devises solutions to meet the various challenges to judicial integrity in Pennsylvania. It focuses on the merit system that PMC has been trying to achieve for Pennsylvania's appellate courts.
Help Wanted: Is There A Better Way To Select Judges?, Luke Bierman
Help Wanted: Is There A Better Way To Select Judges?, Luke Bierman
Fordham Urban Law Journal
This article gives an anecdotal account of the authors attempt to apply for a position as a State Court Judge that he saw posted in the newspaper. The article uses the job posting concept as a starting point to argue that the system of judicial appointment in New York needs to be reworked and there needs to be new and creative solutions brought into the discussion.
Enriching Judicial Independence: Seeking To Improve The Retention Vote Phase Of An Appointive Selection System, John F. Irwin, Daniel L. Real
Enriching Judicial Independence: Seeking To Improve The Retention Vote Phase Of An Appointive Selection System, John F. Irwin, Daniel L. Real
Fordham Urban Law Journal
This article discusses the problems and potential solutions with the system of judicial appointment in the state of Nebraska. The article focuses on how improving public awareness about the existing system, its goals, and its current weaknesses, and implementing steps to address those weaknesses, will help to keep everyone moving toward the best possible system. While changing attitudes and interest in judicial retention elections is certainly not an easy task, it is only through seeking such change that reformers of an elective retention system can hope to near its potential effectiveness.
Wyoming’S Judicial Selection Process: Is It Getting The Job Done?, Marilyn S. Kite
Wyoming’S Judicial Selection Process: Is It Getting The Job Done?, Marilyn S. Kite
Fordham Urban Law Journal
This article explains Wyoming’s commission based judicial selection process, studies how it has performed over the years, and looks to see what lessons we can learn from that history, and consider how it can be improved. Throughout this Article, the focus will be on what attributes of a judicial selection system best result in an independent, accountable, and vibrant judiciary.
A Comparison Of The Criminal Appellate Decisions Of Appointed State Supreme Courts: Insights, Questions, And Implications For Judicial Independence, Aman L. Mcleod
Fordham Urban Law Journal
This Article presents the results of a study conducted to see whether state supreme courts selected in states with dissimilar appointment systems differ in the way they decide criminal appeals. Comparing the criminal decisions of courts selected with different appointment systems may also suggest something about how different appointment systems impact judicial independence.
Designing An Appointive System: The Key Issues, G. Alan Tarr
Designing An Appointive System: The Key Issues, G. Alan Tarr
Fordham Urban Law Journal
This article contains a selection of advice on how to improve the judicial selection system. The article explains that reconsideration of the judicial appointive systems must include both the broadly theoretical and the intensely practical. It should identify the key questions that must be addressed in creating a system of judicial appointment, elaborate and defend the principles that should guide choices among alternative appointive systems, and clarify how those principles can be translated into institutional arrangements that will advance the goal of a quality judiciary. This reconsideration should also take seriously the arguments and claims of those who oppose the …
Enhancing Diversity In An Appointive System Of Selecting Judges, Leo M. Romero
Enhancing Diversity In An Appointive System Of Selecting Judges, Leo M. Romero
Fordham Urban Law Journal
This Article examines the different measures that states, with a particular focus on New Mexico, have adopted in order to enhance diversity in their appointive systems and proposes ways to structure an appointive system that gives due consideration to concerns about diversity. This Article concludes that an appointive system should be designed to require consideration of diversity in the composition of nominating commissions and in the evaluation of applicants.
Appointing Judges The European Way, Mary L. Volcansek
Appointing Judges The European Way, Mary L. Volcansek
Fordham Urban Law Journal
This Article looks at methods of judicial selection in Europe as a way to contrast and perhaps better understand and improve the systems of judicial selection used in the United States. The article argues that in Europe, judicial independence is prized above and beyond any other possible positive trait. The democratic legitimacy of European judges derives from the intimate connection between democracy and the rule of law. Legitimacy does not attach, in the public eye, to a single political institution, but rather to the system as a whole.
Careful What You Wish For: Tough Questions, Honest Answers, And Innovative Approaches To Appointive Judicial Selection, Steven Zeidman
Careful What You Wish For: Tough Questions, Honest Answers, And Innovative Approaches To Appointive Judicial Selection, Steven Zeidman
Fordham Urban Law Journal
This Essay, informed in significant part by personal experience, examines in greater detail some of the common features of appointive systems, and in the process raises issues, concerns, and questions. Every step of the way the goal remains the same—to devise an appointive system most likely to yield as outstanding a judiciary as possible.
A Cancer On The Republic: The Assault Upon Impartiality Of State Courts And The Challenge To Judicial Selection, Donald L. Burnett
A Cancer On The Republic: The Assault Upon Impartiality Of State Courts And The Challenge To Judicial Selection, Donald L. Burnett
Fordham Urban Law Journal
This Article examines judicial impartiality in the context of the state courts. Section I endeavors to show how impartial state courts are essential to fulfilling the constitutional guarantees of a republican form of government and of due process and equal protection of the law. Section II describes the current assault upon the impartiality of state courts, and Section III suggests several ways in which this cancer on the republic can be slowed or reversed—by specific actions within, or related to, the judicial selection process.
A Tribute To Hon. George Bundy Smith -- Colleague, Teacher, And Friend, Judith S. Kaye
A Tribute To Hon. George Bundy Smith -- Colleague, Teacher, And Friend, Judith S. Kaye
Fordham Urban Law Journal
A tribute to Judge George Bundy Smith, discussing his work ethic both as a judge, professor, and mentor, his principles as a jurist, and his personal qualities.
A Tribute To Hon. George Bundy Smith -- A Good Lawyer, Mark Alcott
A Tribute To Hon. George Bundy Smith -- A Good Lawyer, Mark Alcott
Fordham Urban Law Journal
Speech given in tribute to George Bundy Smith, including discussion of his contributions to Fordham Law activities, volunteer organizations, and for the New York State Bar Association, in addition to his work as a writer, teacher, and family member.
A Tribute To Hon. George Bundy Smith -- Excellence, Sandra Jefferson Grannum
A Tribute To Hon. George Bundy Smith -- Excellence, Sandra Jefferson Grannum
Fordham Urban Law Journal
A tribute to George Bundy Smith, focusing on his commitment to excellence as a teacher, mentor, and professional.
A Tribute To Hon. George Bundy Smith -- A Remarkable Jurist And A Remarkable Man, Cornett Lewers
A Tribute To Hon. George Bundy Smith -- A Remarkable Jurist And A Remarkable Man, Cornett Lewers
Fordham Urban Law Journal
A tribute to George Bundy Smith, emphasizing his contributions to The Metropolitan Black Bar Association and the Metropolitan Black Bar Scholarship Fund, as well as his past work as a civil rights protester, and an accomplished jurist.
A Tribute To Hon. George Bundy Smith -- Leadership, Fern Fisher
A Tribute To Hon. George Bundy Smith -- Leadership, Fern Fisher
Fordham Urban Law Journal
A tribute to George Bundy Smith, highlighting his commitment to social justice.
How The Pickers Pick: Finding A Set Of Best Practices For Judicial Nominating Commissions, Rachel Paine Caufield
How The Pickers Pick: Finding A Set Of Best Practices For Judicial Nominating Commissions, Rachel Paine Caufield
Fordham Urban Law Journal
This article discusses the history and development of judicial selection in the states. It examines the 'merit selection' system of judicial appointment and the role of nominating commissions. The article concludes with a section of recommendations for the best practices that should be formally written down and adopted by nominating commissions.
On The Validity And Vitality Of Arizona’S Judicial Merit Selection System: Past, Present, And Future, Mark I. Harrison, Sara S. Greene, Keith Swisher, Meghan H. Grabel
On The Validity And Vitality Of Arizona’S Judicial Merit Selection System: Past, Present, And Future, Mark I. Harrison, Sara S. Greene, Keith Swisher, Meghan H. Grabel
Fordham Urban Law Journal
This Article demonstrates that merit selection is functioning commendably in Arizona and, for the most part, provides the public with a judicial selection process far more informative and generally superior to “traditional elections.” Part I of this Article sketches the history of Arizona’s merit selection of judges and its previous state-wide judicial election system. Part II discusses and analyzes attacks on merit selection and, in addition, assesses the effect of the Judicial Performance Review program initiated in 1992 to enhance the efficacy of the merit selection system. Finally, Part III describes the current status of merit selection in Arizona and …
A Tribute To Hon. George Bundy Smith, William Michael Treanor
A Tribute To Hon. George Bundy Smith, William Michael Treanor
Fordham Urban Law Journal
Opening remarks at ceremony honoring Judge George Bundy Smith, including anecdotes from past students, an overview of Judge Smith's career and accomplishments, and a recognition of distinguished guests in the audience.
Prosecuting Judges For Ethical Violations: Are Criminal Sanctions Constitutional And Prudent, Or Do They Constitute A Threat To Judicial Independence?, Abraham Abramovsky, Jonathan I. Edelstein
Prosecuting Judges For Ethical Violations: Are Criminal Sanctions Constitutional And Prudent, Or Do They Constitute A Threat To Judicial Independence?, Abraham Abramovsky, Jonathan I. Edelstein
Fordham Urban Law Journal
This Article examines the constitutional and practical issues surrounding the prosecutions of judges for ethical violations. The first part of this Article will focus on the Garson prosecution as an example of unwarranted prosecution of judges for violation of ethical codes. The second part examines cases elsewhere in the United States in which judges and other public officials have been prosecuted for violations of ethical codes. Finally, the third part discusses the threats to judicial independence that exist even under the current American legal Framework, as well as the growing tendency to blur the line between civil and criminal liability. …
Foreseeing Greatness - Measurable Performance Criteria And The Selection Of Supreme Court Justices Symposium: Empirical Measures Of Judicial Performance, James J. Brudney
Foreseeing Greatness - Measurable Performance Criteria And The Selection Of Supreme Court Justices Symposium: Empirical Measures Of Judicial Performance, James J. Brudney
Faculty Scholarship
This article contributes to an ongoing debate about the feasibility and desirability of measuring the merit of appellate judges - and their consequent Supreme Court potential - by using objective performance variables. Relying on the provocative and controversial tournament criteria proposed by Professors Stephen Choi and Mitu Gulati in two recent articles, Brudney assesses the Supreme Court potential of Warren Burger and Harry Blackmun based on their appellate court records. He finds that Burger's appellate performance appears more promising under the Choi and Gulati criteria, but then demonstrates how little guidance these quantitative assessments actually provide when reviewing the two …
Insulating Incumbent Judges From The Vicissitudes Of The Political Arena: Retention Elections As A Viable Alternative, David J. Papier
Insulating Incumbent Judges From The Vicissitudes Of The Political Arena: Retention Elections As A Viable Alternative, David J. Papier
Fordham Urban Law Journal
This Note proposes legislation that would cure many deficiencies in the present system of judicial tenure in New York. First, the Note examines the present retention system for trial court judges in New York State in light of the strict standards of judicial ethics the CJC imposes on sitting judges. Part II analyzes several problems in the current reelection process, focusing on the complex predicament a judicial incumbent faces as a result of having to return to the political arena. Part III then explores three possible alternatives to the present reelection system.' Finally, the Note recommends that the New York …